Costco has built a reputation on low prices, bulk deals, and member-exclusive perks. But one of the warehouse club’s most recognizable attractions is also one of its most controversial: the food court.
For many shoppers, a trip to Costco isn’t complete without a $1.50 hot dog and soda, a slice of pizza, or another inexpensive bite after navigating the warehouse’s crowded aisles.
The food court has become an important part of the Costco experience, reinforcing the retailer’s value-focused image and giving members another reason to shop.
The hot dog deal, whose $1.50 price point has been locked in since 1985, is particularly iconic.
Former Costco CFO Richard Galanti told Fortune in 2024 that the retailer sells approximately 199 million food court hot dogs annually, describing the hot dog and the company’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken as “foundational” to its business.
But not every customer is happy with the food court experience. And recent complaints highlight a challenge for Costco: maintaining the low prices that attract customers while delivering a convenient experience that keeps them satisfied.
Costco shoppers complain about crowded, dirty food courts
Cleanliness and overcrowding are two of the most persistent complaints about Costco’s food court, Tasting Table recently highlighted.
Some shoppers say finding a clean table can be difficult, with customers often leaving behind trash and food debris.
“I have yet to find a clean table at a Costco,” one Reddit user said.
Other customers have raised concerns about food court employees’ cleaning practices. In one anecdote cited by Tasting Table, a shopper said they witnessed an employee using a broom that had been used on the floor to sweep a tabletop.
Meanwhile, the food court’s popularity can create another headache. Customers contend that crowded dining areas, long lines, and limited seating make it difficult to enjoy a quick meal, particularly during busy shopping periods.
The menu itself is also drawing criticism. Although Costco offers inexpensive comfort food, including pizza, hot dogs, and chicken bakes, some customers would like more nutritious alternatives.
“I love Costco, and I would eat at the Costco food court so much more if they had actual somewhat healthy options,” said another Redditor.
Other customers have questioned the taste and quality of certain items, with some describing Costco’s pizza as overly greasy and expressing disappointment with the food court’s sandwiches.
Costco customers have complained about dirty, overcrowded food courts.Shutterstock
Slow service and confusing systems frustrate members
The food court’s ordering and pickup process is another source of frustration.
For some customers, having to order at a digital kiosk and then wait in another line to receive their food is a deal-breaker. Shoppers have also attributed delays to understaffing and inefficient order handling.
The result can be a lengthy wait for an inexpensive meal, undermining the convenience customers expect from a quick-service operation.
These seemingly minor problems can make an already crowded food court feel more chaotic, particularly for families shopping together.
Ultimately, complaints like these underscore the balancing act Costco faces. Its food court remains a major value driver, but low prices alone cannot eliminate frustrations over cleanliness, convenience, and quality.
For Costco, improving the experience without undermining the affordability that made the food court famous could help preserve one of its most recognizable customer perks. And it could also help the company grow its membership base.
During Costco’s most recent earnings call, CFO Gary Millerchip noted an uptick in younger members.
“You may have seen actually there was a recent article that talked about for younger consumers, how they’re really engaging and excited about experiences and the opportunity that Costco presents to be in a brick-and-mortar retail environment and to enjoy the treasure hunt experience and engage in whether it’s the food court or the nonfood items that we offer,” Millerchip told investors.
Fixing problems with the food court could further drive younger member engagement, which is another reason for Costco to prioritize it.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
Related: Costco is getting a new kind of member